Doug Bratcher
Place of birth:
Washington D.C.
Position played:
Prop
Summary of rugby career:
First Started Playing Where:
Truman State University (a.k.a. Northeast Missouri State) (1995)
Clubs represented and Years:
Truman State University Bulls (1995-96)
St. Louis Bombers (1996-00)
Santa Monica Rugby Club (2000-03) player
Santa Monica Rugby Club ( 2003-13) coach
Azusa Pacific University Rugby Club (2016) coach
Territorial/National Representative Teams and years:
Heart of America Rugby Football Union Collegiate Selects (1995-96)
Western Rugby Football Union Collegiate Mustangs (1996)
Western Rugby Football Unions Senior Mustangs (1998-00)
Southern California Rugby Football Union Senior Griffins (2001-02)
Southern California Rugby Football Union Senior Griffins (2003) coach
Los Angeles Area High School Selects (2014) coach
No of Caps (if applicable):
None
No of International Matches (if applicable):
None
Tours: Where, With Whom and Years:
Truman State University Tour of Texas (1996)
Western RFU Mustangs, Ontario Tour (1998)
SMRC Eatin’s Cheatin’ Bus Trip to Sacramento (2004)
SMRC World’s Longest Bus Ride Home From Hayward (2006)
Awards and Recognition:
St. Louis Bombers Rookie of the Year (1997)
SMRC Clubman (2001)
SMRC Lipman Award (2003)
SMRC Nesbit Coach of the year (2004)
SMRC Bosserman Award (2005, 2007)
Impact rugby had on your life:
Rugby has is one of the best things that’s ever happened in my life. As a direct result of playing rugby I’ve traveled nearly half way around the world, drank from the Currie Cup in South Africa, attended two Rugby World Cups, and made lifelong friends that I wouldn’t have met otherwise. I’ve also had the chance to give back to the sport through coaching and like to think that I’ve been able to instill my love of the sport to the players I’ve had the chance to coach.
Most inspirational teammate/coach and why:
At Truman State Don LeMay, Brian Gilsinn, and David Ethetton, pulled me off of the couch and got me to my first rugby practice, so I obviously owe them a debt of gratitude. Bill Sexton, the Truman coach, took the time to teach me some of the nuances of the game, and also showed me that rugby could be as much of a cerebral game as it is physical.
At Santa Monica, coach Stuart Krohn, was always able to push the right buttons and got the most out of me as a player. After my playing days were over, Krohn also took me under his wing as his coaching protege. I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor and friend.
Chris Serjak for being a great friend and teammate. Serjak was always willing to tackle and ruck, while I preferred to carry the ball and score.
I would be remiss in not mentioning Aaron Blatt, Kain Cross, and Robert Knox. All three were legends on and off the field and their support and friendship throughout my time with SMRC has been amazing.
What wisdom would you pass on to current players:
Savor every time you get to pull on a jersey and step onto a rugby field, you never know which game will be your last.
Marital Status (Spouse/Kids names):
Married to Stacy Bratcher with two daughters Riley and Sadie
Favorite quote:
"A trophy carries dust. Memories last forever." - Mary Lou Retton
Interests:
Golf, rugby, travel, cooking
Internet links to anything of interest on the web about the player:
|
